Be the voice of Service families in your area
DIO is launching Regional Experience Committees (RECs) across the UK, bringing together Service family volunteers who are passionate about improving housing services and ensuring family voices are heard.
This is an exciting opportunity to become a Service Family Customer Representative for your region to help influence positive change in military housing. By joining, you will play an important role in highlighting local issues, identifying opportunities for improvement and sharing what matters most to Service families.
As a member of your REC, you will work alongside other representatives and key figures within DIO to provide constructive feedback, discuss common themes and challenges, and represent the lived experiences of families in your area.
To read more about the role and how to apply, click here.
Amendments to Surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Policy
What is changing?
From 1 September 2026, the policy for applying for and allocating surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is changing. The changes are designed to make sure surplus homes are managed fairly while work continues to transform and expand the estate as part of the Defence Housing Strategy.
How surplus SFA is prioritised
When surplus homes are available, applications will be considered in a new priority order. This means some family circumstances will be prioritised first. The updated prioritisation list will be reflected in JSP 464 from 1st September 2026.
How to apply for surplus SFA
From 1 September 2026, if you wish to request surplus SFA, you need to apply every time you receive a new assignment order dated on or after that date.
Mid-assignment applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. If this applies, please submit a case through your single-Service personnel branch.
If you receive another assignment order in future, you will need to apply again, even if you are staying at the same duty station.
If you are currently live in surplus SFA, receive a new assignment order, and wish to retain your SFA, you must also submit a new application alongside a retention form available here.
Existing applications for Surplus SFA
We are reviewing the surplus waiting list using the new priority order. Applications will stay active on the waitlist if they meet the new criteria and you have more than six months remaining at the duty station requested.
The Accommodation Support Cell will contact you directly if:you applied for SFA using a previous assignment and at a different location from your current duty station.
- you have less than six months remaining in your current role and location.
- according to your Future Availability Date (FAD) on JPA.
- you have submitted more than one e1132 application at the same time.
- you have already been housed in SFA.
For queries related to the Surplus SFA policy changes, please contact the Accommodation Support Cell at People-Accom-ASC@mod.gov.uk or call 0800 368 7406
Housing Matters Podcast
You can now watch the latest episodes of Housing Matters, the podcast exploring military housing and the issues that matter most to Service personnel and their families.
Episode 3 focuses on damp and mould, one of the most significant challenges facing military housing. Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and Sebastian O'Hara, DIO Operations Manager South, are joined by Nikki Simmons from VIVO and Matt Smith from Amey. They discuss what causes damp and mould, the work of the Damp and Mould Taskforce, and the steps being taken to improve how these issues are identified, managed and resolved.
Episode 4 looks beyond the home itself to explore the wider community and support networks that help make life on a patch work. The discussion covers the role of NHS services, welfare charities, and the social value initiatives delivered by DIO and its suppliers, showcasing how organisations work together to support Service personnel and their families.
Episode 3 and Episode 4 are available now, alongside the first two episodes in the series. Whether you are interested in housing maintenance, community support or the future of military housing, Housing Matters offers insight into the issues that affect Service families every day.
Families First newsletter
The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website.
